The Indianapolis Colts are facing a quarterback crisis after Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending torn Achilles in their 36-19 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Backup Riley Leonard, who finished the game, is dealing with a knee injury that leaves his status uncertain for Sunday's matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. To bolster their options, the Colts signed 44-year-old veteran Philip Rivers to the practice squad following a workout.
The Indianapolis Colts' 2025 season took a drastic turn during their Week 14 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, December 8, 2025, as starting quarterback Daniel Jones tore his Achilles tendon, sidelining him for the remainder of the year. The team, now 8-5, fell 36-19, marking their third straight defeat and dropping them a game behind in the AFC South race.
Rookie Riley Leonard stepped in for Jones and provided a spark, completing 18 of 29 passes for 145 yards with one interception and adding a rushing touchdown in his most extensive NFL action to date. However, Leonard is now nursing a strained right knee ligament, described as week-to-week by ESPN reports. Colts head coach Shane Steichen expressed hope that Leonard would be available for Week 15, stating he would "hopefully" practice this week, with his status depending on how he fares in sessions.
With Anthony Richardson still on injured reserve due to a fractured orbital bone since October, the Colts' only other quarterback option was practice squad member Brett Rypien. In response, the team brought in Philip Rivers, the 44-year-old former Pro Bowler who led Indianapolis to an 11-5 record and playoffs in 2020. Rivers, who retired after that season and turned 44 on Monday, joined the practice squad after a Monday workout. His signing provides emergency depth without affecting his Hall of Fame eligibility, as practice squad status does not reset the five-year retirement clock—he remains a semifinalist for the 2026 class.
The Colts face a tough remaining schedule, including road games at Seattle, home against the San Francisco 49ers, and finishes against the Jaguars and Texans. According to SportsLine projections, Indianapolis has a 32% chance to make the playoffs and just 6.7% to win the division, highlighting the severity of their quarterback woes.
